You are viewing the 2011 University Catalog. Please see the newest version of the University Catalog for the most current version of this program's requirements.

Students who wish to pursue P-12 teacher certification in Physical Science must apply to and be admitted to the Teacher Education Program. Please visit the Teacher Education Program Web site for the required professional sequence of courses and other important Program requirements, guidelines, and procedures. Students are strongly advised to review the Teacher Education Program Handbook. Students majoring in physics have two teacher certification options to choose from – Physical Science or Physics – and should consult with an advisor to determine which certification program they wish to complete. Courses specific to the Physical Science teacher certification program are listed below.

Teacher Education Sequence (42 s.h.)To be eligible for admission to the Teacher Education Program, a student must have a minimum 2.50 GPA in physics major and collateral courses and have successfully completed 12 semester hours or more of physics major courses. In addition, in order to remain in the Teacher Education Program students must maintain a 2.75 overall GPA and 2.5 GPA in the major.

A minimum of 120 semester hours of coursework is required for the
baccalaureate degree with a minimum 2.0 overall GPA, and a minimum 2.0
major GPA. However, more than 120 semester hours may be required
depending upon the major field of study. In addition to the major
requirement outlined below, all university students must fulfill the
set of General Education requirements applicable to their degree (for
further information, see General Education Requirements).

MATH122: Calculus I

Prerequisites: MATH 111 or MATH 112 or placement through the Montclair State University Placement Test (MSUPT) or a satisfactory score on department's Calculus Readiness Test. (Students who did not satisfy the course prerequisite at MSU and students who received a grade of D-, D, or D+ in the prerequisite course taken at MSU are required to demonstrate competency on the department's Calculus Readiness Test.)

PHYS191: University Physics I

This one-semester calculus-based course including laboratory is a study of the principles of physics and some applications to society's problems. Topics covered include mechanics, thermodynamics, fluids, and harmonic motion. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.) 4 sh.

PHYS245: Electronics and Digital Circuits

An introduction to the principles of amplifiers, waveform generators, and digital circuits, with emphasis on the use of commonly available integrated circuit packages. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.) 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 192 or 194.

PHYS247: Microprocessors and Their Applications

One semester course providing an introduction to the principles, operations and applications of microprocessors including experiment control and data manipulation. (2 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.) 3 sh.

Prerequisites: PHYS 192 or 194.

PHYS280: Astronomy

Application of physical laws to the earth as a planet; nature of the other planets; orbital motion and space flight; origin of the solar system; the birth, life and death of a star galactic structure; and cosmology. Meets the University Writing Requirement for majors in Physics. (3 hours lecture, 2 hours lab.) 4 sh.

PHYS490: Literature Research in Physics

Student considers topics in physics and gains facility in literature research techniques: topics in pure physics or related to physics education. Students intending to enroll in laboratory research in physics should use PHYS 490 to provide the literature research related to his/her laboratory problem. (Not offered every year.) (2 hours lecture.) 2 sh.

Prerequisites: At least 16 credit hours of physics beyond PHYS 192.

PHYS495: Laboratory Research in Physics

Solution of a laboratory problem research in pure physics or in physics education. Written report required. (Not offered every year.) () 1 - 4 sh.